In a move aimed at strengthening the regulation and welfare of private security personnel in the state, the Government of Maharashtra introduced a new amendment bill on March 18, 2025, to update the Maharashtra Private Security Guards (Regulation of Employment and Welfare) Act, 1981.
Key Updates in the Amendment Bill, 2025:
1. Updated Definition of “Establishment”
The bill replaces the old reference from the Bombay Shops and Establishments Act, 1948, and aligns it with the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017.
This change ensures legal consistency with modern labour laws in the state.
2. Improved Recruitment Regulation
Section 3 of the Act sees an important overhaul. The amendment gives the government clearer authority over:
- Recruitment and entry into the Scheme for Security Guards
- Registration and deregistration of both Security Guards and principal employers
- Maintenance of registers and waiting lists
- Charging of registration fees This move aims to streamline administrative processes and improve transparency.
3. New Clause for Government Action Without Advisory Committee
A new Section 15(1A) empowers the State Government to act independently in the absence of a functioning Advisory Committee. This ensures the continuity of decision-making without procedural delays.
4. Advisory Committee Term Reforms
The tenure for Advisory Committee members (excluding those from the government) is now officially set at five years. Additionally, the government must fill any vacancies within six months, ensuring consistent oversight and representation.
5. Enhanced Child Labour Protection
A significant welfare-focused change was introduced in Section 18. The minimum age for employment as a security guard has been raised from fourteen to eighteen years, reinforcing the state’s commitment to child protection and aligning with national and international labour standards.
Government’s Intent
The preamble of the bill clarifies that these changes are intended to modernize the regulatory framework, ensure better welfare measures, and facilitate efficient deployment and employment conditions for thousands of private security guards across Maharashtra.
This amendment is especially important in the current environment, where the demand for trained and well-regulated private security personnel continues to rise.
